This year’s theme for International Women’s Day (8 March) is ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.’

Over the last year, Indigenous.gov.au has celebrated many powerful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have set the example for others and proven themselves capable of achieving great things despite the obstacles before them.

Through their endeavour and imagination, they have triumphed.

We recommend a second reading of their exceptional stories:

Cassandra Diamond is opening the way for Indigenous women in STEM
Cassandra Diamond is helping young women enter the STEM fields of their choice through the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy.

Kenisha Gurala Gumbula to become first Yolngu Lawyer
On completion of her degree, Kenisha Gurala Gumbala from Galiwin’ku, will become the first qualified Yolngu lawyer.

Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM named 2021 Senior Australian of the Year
Artist, activist, writer and public speaker, Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM from Nauiyu named Senior Australian of the Year 2021.

Bringing Acknowledgement of Country to the home
Kinya Lerrk is a thriving business selling and distributing Acknowledgement of Country plaques throughout Australia.

NAIDOC Netball Carnival has a different ball this year thanks to Shooting Star Chante Kickett
Matches in the NAIDOC Netball Carnival in WA this year will be played with a ball that tells a story and a journey using Aboriginal symbols.

Maddie Paluch: ‘Believe in yourself and chase your dreams’
Wiradjuri woman Maddie Paluch wants to tell stories of her people through dance and wants Indigenous kids to chase their dreams.

NATSIAA Winner Iluwanti Ken is preparing a path for young artists
Artist Iluwanti Ken from Amata in the APY Lands is a NATSIAA winner who is using her skills to support the community and help the next generation of artists.

Mary Pupuli is leading the way for Wadeye children and youth
Graduating Year 12 of high school in Wadeye is not easy but Mary Pupuli and her classmates are the first since 2007 to do just that.

National Science Week: Hannah McCleary leading by example
Hannah McCleary is passionate about science and wants to inspire young Indigenous women to enter the STEM fields of study.

Tara June Winch – 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award Winner
Wiradjuri woman Tara June Winch is the 2020 Miles Franklin Literary Award winner for her novel, The Yield.

First Female Mayor of Cherbourg
Mayor Elvie Sandow is honoured to be Cherbourg’s first female mayor.

The all-female firefighting crew protecting Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust
Charmaine Sellings and her highly skilled team of Gunaikurnai women are the only all-female, all-Indigenous crew in the Country Fire Authority (CFA).